An Interior Designer on How to Transform Your Home Into a Sanctuary

Designing a home that strikes a balance between fostering relaxation and productivity can seem like an elusive goal when you don't know where to start. According to interior designer and founder of Casalau Design Laura Ramirez, it comes down to getting clear on your intentions for each space and blending form with function. "I really believe our homes are an extension of who we are, and they have the ability to immediately put us at ease after a long day, or on the contrary, block creative flow or that peace we long for," Ramirez says. Developing systems that help clients connect with their intentions — say, an antique cabinet with hidden storage or an organizing system for their entryway closet — is the first step. "Then, over time, thoughtfully incorporating elements of design or beautiful pieces in your home, will actually bring you joy, a sense of self-love and encourage the rituals for your intentions," she says.

After laying the foundation of creating a more functional design, Ramirez focuses on introducing mood-enhancing features: designing a comfortable home that can hold space for your passions and rituals is the ultimate formula for creating the sanctuary of your dreams. Regardless of the size of someone's home or budget, there are a few fundamental tips she says anyone can incorporate to achieve that sanctuary feel.

According to Ramirez, scent is one of the most important ways we connect with our homes. "A certain smell can subconsciously bring us back to a moment, a place or a feeling," she says. "Not only do we want to have a pleasant smell that welcomes us home, we also want that smell to represent clean air. There's no better feeling than when your home is freshly cleaned and smelling good. This sets the foundation for mental clarity, where we can then be as productive as we intend to be or as comfortable and relaxed as we want to be."

She notes that she likes to have different fragrances in different rooms to set the mood accordingly. "There should be a harmony to the different fragrances you use in each space of your home," she says. "Find a common thread in the fragrance like you would in the design, or at the very least, opt for fragrances that complement one another instead of clash with one another. I love a fresh clean scent in the living areas and citrus in the kitchen." Something like the Lysol Air Sanitizing Spray in White Linen, which was created with subtle floral notes, including jasmine and lilac, is perfect for living spaces, and there's no better scent for the bedroom than Lysol Lavender Sky Air Sanitizer.

Ramirez emphasizes the power of paint as one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to shift the mood of a room. "Trust me, that different shade of white will make all the difference. But also, don't be afraid of color! I've been loving dusty tones lately," she says.

Instead of relying on harsh overhead lighting, Ramirez recommends using a combination of dimmable floor, table, wall, and pendant lights. "As much as possible, I encourage soft decorative lighting and utilizing different types of lamp shades to diffuse a sharp bulb's glare. Place your table lamps near face level height so [as] to avoid unflattering shadows from down lighting," she says.

Ramirez points out that meaningful decor is an instant mood elevator. "Tap into your local makers when you can, bring back locally-made goods when you travel, or find a shop like Casalau that offers ethically-sourced goods from Latin America. Decorate with what you already have. Chances are, you have special items that tell your story or bring back a memory or simply make you happy," she says.

While we can't shadow Ramirez as she tracks down skilled artisans or wades through markets and antique shops, we did hit her up for her go-to places to shop for key items every home sanctuary needs.